We’ve all heard about it, whether a whisper in the wind or a scream in one’s ears. You may not even care about it or you may be a gamer who haunts Xbox Live everyday. One way or another, however, come September 25th, Halo 3 will be all you hear about.
It’s reminiscent of the year 2004 when Halo 2 arrived to the glee of 2.4 million people on the first day it hit shelves. Except this time, Mountain Dew has put out a limited edition drink specifically portraying Master Chief on the front called Mountain Dew Gamer Fuel. Some 7/11 stores have announced that they will be selling copies of the game. It’s as if the Star Wars franchise announced Episode I all over again.
The first game in the trilogy, Halo: Combat Evolved, was released with the Xbox, becoming one of the most played games ever. It’s mixture of an easy interface, simple button configurations, compelling storyline, and amazing multiplayer pushed it to one of the most popular games ever made. Next came Halo 2, following more hype than anyone ever imagined a game could put out. Halo 2 had $125 million in sales on the first day, which makes it the most profitable entertainment release in history.
The introduction of Xbox Live to the franchise also spurred sales, seeing as multiplayer was the one aspect that most everyone enjoyed about the game. Halo 2 became the most played game on Xbox Live ever until 2006’s Gears of War was released, though Halo 2 still reigns as far as the total number of matches played on Live.
And that brings us to Halo 3. Bungie is using the Xbox 360 to add in many new variants of old traditions while bringing in brand new ones. New weapons, new grenades, different types of armor, different games types and aspects of multiplayer, the ability to record games and share them, buffed AI, and enhanced graphics all describe what Halo 3 will contain, and that is still leaving out man other points of the game. The game will be the end of this story arc, though other games will be released. Halo Wars, a strategy game being developed by Ensemble Studios, is just one game that sits outside of the actual Halo trilogy.
The co-op system had been revamped, allowing online co-op with up to 4 people as well as a point system based on how well a player does in a level. Headshots, speed, and various other skilled challenges determine the points one receives. Also, the first player in co-op controls Master Chief, the second controls the Arbiter, and the other two control two new elites.
Needless to say, Halo 3 is full of brand new content ready to finish this phenomenon. Another fourteen days and Bungie becomes once again the most well recognized developer in gaming and entertainment. Good luck to everyone who wishes to pick one up if you haven’t pre-ordered it, and if you haven’t, why not do it now? This is the time to be a part of what many call the greatest franchise in gaming, and though it is sad to think about it maybe being the last time we see Master Chief destroying the Covenant outside of the gaming community, I can smile knowing that I have seen the releases of a trilogy that can perhaps bear the title of “this generation’s Star Wars.”
At 18 years old, I’m beyond happy knowing that. Congratulations, Bungie, for making such a great series, and good luck in the future!
